Philosophy

Our Mission

Our commitment at the Prospect Academy of Westchester is to create a safe and nurturing environment for each child so that he/she has the opportunity to develop a strong foundation onto becoming a lifelong confident and independent learner.

Our Curriculum

We have built our curriculum based on the Montessori method enhanced with learning another language. We believe learning more than one language promotes early literacy. In addition, the children will recognize, understand and adapt to people from different cultures; an important skill to have in our modern global society.

Our Teaching Approach

Our teachers show respect for children when they help them do things and learn for themselves. When children have choices, they are able to develop the skills and abilities necessary for effective learning autonomy, and positive self-esteem. We put the children's play in the center of our teaching approach. “It may be said that we acquire knowledge by using our minds; but the child absorbs knowledge directly into his psychic life. Simply by continuing to live, the child learns to speak his native tongue" (Montessori, 1966). We believe that is natural for our children to grow up in an environment where they hear more then one language every day and their school should be a continuation of this natural environment.

Our Teachers

At Prospect Academy our teachers are our main asset. We choose our teachers carefully based on their qualifications, personal approach to teaching, their views on our philosophy.

LADA TILLMANN - PROGRAM DIRECTOR

MA in Philosophy form St. Petersburg State University. Over 20 years of experience in teaching languages (English, German, Russian) to children and adults. Taught in Russia, Germany and USA, studied and taught immersion method and situational approach in learning a second language in Germany. Working in the USA in early childhood, bilingual education since 2007

«Is known for her philosophical approach in dealing with temper tantrums of 3years olds».

ELENA FEDOROVA - DIRECTOR

Graduated from Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg with specialization in Early Child Education.

«Loves working with kids and favorite activity is cooking with 3, 4 and 5 year old chefs».

SABINE KRUSCHE - GERMAN TEACHER

Sabine is a native German speaker. She received her degree in finance and accounting in Germany but after moving to the USA with her family she changed her career and has been working in Early Childhood Education for the past ten years. Sabine was working as a German teacher in St Mary’s Catholic School, Yonkers and then Country Day Nursery School for 2 years, where she made a transition to Prospect Academy of Westchester.

«Sabine loves working with kids and finds the challenge extremely rewarding».

YVONNE COTTER - GERMAN TEACHER

Yvonne is a teacher from Germany. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008 in Germany. From 2008 to 2010 she gained experience and English language skills in working with Infants and Toddlers as an Au Pair in America. Since 2010 she has been working as a teacher in preschools and day cares in Germany with children from 12 months to 6 years old. She moved back to the USA in January 2016 and is looking forward to working at PA.

«Helping children grow into independent Individuals has always been my passion».

PETRA FEUERBACH - GERMAN TEACHER

Petra is a native German speaker who worked in Administration before moving with her family to the US in 2000. She is a mom of two and boys were raised bilingual and are fluent in German and English. Petra always had great pleasure in supporting and participating in the boys activities from Playgroup to High School. Petra worked as a volunteer at the German Language School in White Plains and spent 5 years teaching bilingual children at the Country Day Nursery School. From 2011 until recently Petra was working in Administration of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manhattan until she returned to teaching children at PA.

«I love to do craft projects, cooking with children and and help them to overcome challenges».

ROSE COEN - MUSIC TEACHER

Rose Coen is a New York State Certified Teacher. Rose writes and performs the songs for Musical Round-Up. Rose is part singer songwriter and part comedienne. In each class children will go all the way from grandpa's farm to the Amazon with a slithering rattlesnake and squeaking toucans. Rose has over 20 years teaching adults and children.

NADIA MOISEYEVA - MUSIC TEACHER

Nadia received her degree in teaching music (specialized in Early Childhood Education) in Russia and brings to Prospect Academy over 10 years of teaching experience (both in Russia and the US). She contributes a lot of amazing ideas, plenty of enthusiasm and simply her beautiful voice!

ELENA SHARGORODSKY- RUSSIAN TEACHER

Elena has a M.A. from Moscow Pedagogical University. She has worked with children both in Russia and the United States. During the last 3 years Elena organized and facilitated an after school activity group where she taught the children how to bake and do arts and crafts. Elena is a dedicated mom of 3 young children.

«I just love being around children!»

ALEKSANDRAZEMLEVSKAYA - RUSSIAN TEACHER

Aleksandra earned her two master degrees of Computer Science and Economics in Russia and worked as a state tax auditor. After moving to the US, she completed her MBA from UCONN School of Business and raised two bilingual children of her own, teaching them the Russian school curriculum. She always has a passion for kids psychology. Has taught extracurricular math class and History of Art enrichment program at her kids elementary school. Sees teaching at PA as a great opportunity to be "La cause des enfants" (Françoise Dolto, a French pediatrician and psychoanalyst)

VERA VOLMER - YOGA TEACHER

Vera is a certified Yoga Teacher (220-h RYT), passionate longtime practitioner and a mom of two kids. She firmly believes that practicing yoga and meditation from the early age on, learning finding balance and harmony from within helps growing an independent, stable and happy person.

Our Prospect Story

PA Careers

Join our vibrant team at Prospect Academy

Prospect Academy is looking to complete the team of enthusiastic, knowledgeable and caring teachers and teacher’s assistants. If you are passionate about early child education, love working with children, believe in Montessori and Waldorf educational principles, and looking to apply your knowledge, and experience, you are in a right place. We will welcome enthusiasts who never stop learning about young children and along with them.

Teacher for the English pre-k program. PA is looking for a part time teacher and teacher's assistant for the pre-k programs. Must be native speaker or speaker of a native fluency. Experience in the field preferred.